Crimson Harvest - Story Thread

He was bathed in blood. The crimson color oozed and dripped off his haggard body making puddles around his feet. Tate wiped his face with the back of his sleeve still clutching one of his newly acquired weapons. It stung as he did, and he grimaced as the gashes on his head and arms reacted to the movement. He remembered every moment of the battle as if they were each an age in length, all crawling through his mind in slow motion. How he struggled to fend off several demons at once, trying to fight his way to an ally in need. But in a flash, the battle won, it had been over as quickly as it had begun. His arms felt heavy, his neck sore, his legs like stone and his back bent, he felt like an old man! But wait, he realized, he was an old man! At least, most considered him old, many did not live very long by average in these parts, what with war, famine, and plague often marauding through the countryside. He had heard of a far off land where people lived in peace and lived until one hundred years old! 'Fiddlesticks!' He said to himself, no one could live for that long. His parents had died at forty-eight and forty-five, and with him at nearly fifty years old, Tate had begun to worry. Yet, at the moment, standing and grasping two igneous blades in either hand and feeling his sweat mix with the enemy's black plasma covered on his broken skin, made him feel more alive than ever! Alive and still young!

Seeing their rescuers drawing in the crowd of the survivors, he ventured toward them as well, eager to thank them for their heroism. He supposed that their gathering looked like a flock of mindless sheep making their way to their shepherd. Few looked shocked and most had no notable expression at all. Tate knew that he was in a company of experienced fighters, men who had seen many battles. Although some younger kids were there as well, the group mainly consisted of battle-hardened veterans, angels, demons, humans and goatmen. He was the last to make up the circle and a man announced himself as Ignis and addressed the crowd.

"Alright, humans and goatmen, you're hereby free. Come with us back to our encampment, we'll give you safe haven. Angels, you're free to do as you please, we do not expect anything from you, though know that we are fighting the hells and your assistance would be more than welcome. Demons, I don't know what it was you did to be imprisoned, but it's a safe bet to assume you're against the hells. I'll give you the same offer I gave to the angels."

"Don't spend too much time here, the demons will no doubt be coming to check on their caravan. We leave within the hour, check for any survivors and get any equipment you need." He concluded.

Resistance fighters eh? Tate mulled the idea over in his mind. He liked the sound of getting into the action and adventuring even more than he already had but this time with sword in hand and the cry of comradery filling the air as they would charge down and eliminate their foes. For a man who spent so much time on his own he was beginning to enjoy being around people even more so.

With that idea in mind he walked hurriedly back towards the wagon, he was too tired to run about any further, the battle had taken it out of him. And yet, he had seen companions barely breathing hard as they took out more demons than he ever could have, though they were alien forces, hardly human at all. That was hardly fair, he snickered to himself, comparing the two. He was alive though, and that was what mattered.

Almost limping with weariness, Tate rounded what remained of the wheeled contraption, he lay one sword down and with the other blade in hand swung at the rope restricting a large box attached to the vehicle. The box smashed to the ground and broke open as it did, scattering its contents in front of him. He immediately recognized his pick and reached down to grasp the familiar handle. He tugged at it as it was entwined in the rest of the collection of valuables. His pick suddenly flew free bringing some other packages and debris with it. Smiling, he didn't know what he would have done without his axe, holding it up to the sun and seeing its dull gleam. He had spent countless days with just him, his pick and whatever rock need to be shifted or riverbed dug. Other survivors had also began gathering their possessions from the spilled container finding what they needed and getting themselves ready to follow the mercenaries. Tate had just one more stop to make before joining the rescuers.

With his pick and sword in either hand, Tate made his way toward the driver's dead body. Quickly frisking the gory mess he found what he was looking for, a crystal clear dagger. He had only seen the deceased owner with it once but once was enough. The hell-spawn driver, thinking his prisoners asleep and likely to never see the light of day again, pulled the dagger out of its holder just for a greedy glimpse, to gaze at his recent acquisition in wonder. Tate wondered where the old gasbag had got it from as he now grasped the same hilt as it lay in its cover. Pulling it out, it felt almost weightless in his hand, how could it be so light? With sudden realization, he was half frightened and half excited that it must be enchanted. He held the dagger up to the dying sunset and gazed at its perfect cut, and suddenly the blade began to grow brighter and brighter until Tate could not bear to look at it. He shielded his eyes and quickly shoved the dagger back in its intricate sheath hoping no one had seen its brilliance. They would probably want it for themselves, or have it destroyed, he thought. Hurriedly placing the dagger and some other useful items in a newly acquired pack he pulled it round his back and walked towards the group with pickaxe slung over his shoulder and the remaining and sharper igneous sword in a sling. It paid to pay attention to detail, he thought, anyone who said otherwise was risking their neck and those around them

Halcyon felt weak... maybe he didn't have it in him to fight this one out. He looked at his Monk brother, defiant, and thought about pardoning him to help the other captives.

Then he heard a triumphant cry in the distance...

"How about you help me heal up these wounds then, brother? This pain is unbearable..."

Halcyon let out a dangerous sounding cough, expelling a fair amount of blood that trickled down his chin. He wiped his face and looked at his bloodied hand. He felt lightheaded, too lightheaded. He let his head fall down towards his chest and started at the ground. More blood tricked from his bloody throat and he tasted the metallic flavor of mortal blood. He couldn't remember the last time he actually tasted his own blood, but he knew he didn't want it to be the last thing he tasted.

With his eyes closed, Bane's thoughts took him to a place where he thought he would never return. The fields covered in grasses and flowers, the sun gently providing its warmth on his skin. Just over the foothill, he saw her dancing amongst the roses.

Just as Bane was about to rush over, his dream was suddenly ended to the voice of a man. "Sir, I can help everybody here recover from the skirmish. All I need is water and fire. Could you help me?" While not being asked directly, Bane felt he could help in this matter. The warmth of the initial fire still burned and Bane could feel its heat on his skin. Bane picked up the club that had cracked his ribs just moments ago and held it deep within the fire. He pulled it back out as a flame danced on the tip of the weapon.

"Here. Hopefully this helps" Bane briefly commented as he held the club towards the man. "Sorry, I have no water unfortunately" Just as Bane was about to turn back around, the smell of poison came off of the man. He recognized the same smell as the poison that infected his assailant. "Are you the one who saved me back there?" Bane asked the man.

Accepting the fire, Scorpius heard the goatman ask if he had saved him. "Yes, I got him with Stinger." Scorpius replied, tapping on the upper portion of the longbow on his back. "What is your name and can you smell any water near here? The smell of battle fogged up my nose and I can't smell anything else. I'm Scorpius by the way, I would introduce you to my companion but I dunno where she is or when she will find me."

"My name is Bane. Thank you for saving my life" Bane held out his hand with slight hesitation and shook the man's hand. Bane took a second and held his snout up in the air. Taking in quick deep breaths, Bane quickly located a source of water nearby. "Just behind those trees is a clearing with a small body of water. It should be enough for what you need." Bane answered. "I don't know what your abilities are but my ribs could use some looking at when you get what you need."

"I need about twelve minutes." Scorpius runs off in the direction Bane told to go. Arriving at the water, Scorpius scoops a large amount of it into his pot and runs back. Working quickly, he lights up a fire and waits for it to boil the water. He takes the water off the fire to let it cool for two minutes. As it cools, Scorpius reaches into his pouch and takes some leaves and powder and mixes it into the water. While he waits for the brew to finish, he runs off to the caravan and locates some surprisingly clean cups. Running back, he gets to the concoction and smelling it, pours it into all the cups. He takes a nearby mercenary's shield and puts all the cups on it.

Scorpius walks over to Bane. "Here, drink a cup of this, it will ease the pain, and help speed along the healing process and reinvigorate you." Turning quickly, Scorpius walks away briskly to the Crimson Sabre-Cat, before Bane had a chance to say a thing. Kneeling next to the cat, "Here, drink this, it will help you to recover." As the Crimson cat took the cup, he rushed off and as he did, he yelled out "Everybody come here, I have something for everybody to drink to help recover from the skirmish!"

"Everybody come here, I have something for everybody to drink to help recover..."

The latter part started to fade out over the pain. He decided that he might as well take what he could get until his monk friend could properly heal him.

"Arrrgh! AAAARGH HELP ME!" He shouted.

Blood splashed from his mouth as he yelled. The metallic taste came back and his vision started to fade again. Damn, he should've paid more attention to those disfigureds, then, maybe, he wouldn't be in this terrible condition.

*Please note that, in the actual play of events, it has been twelve minutes since I have asked the monk to help heal me. What the hell is he doing?*

"Arrrgh! AAAARGH HELP ME!" Scorpius heard the cry as he was rushing around giving out cups of tea with strong properties of healing. Turned in the direction and quickly spotted an angelic being who doesn't look to good. Rushing over, Scorpius quickly spoke as he offered a cup. "Here take this and drink it. It will help you recover much quicker than the normal rate." It seems I got everybody. Scorpius kneels down on the ground and takes a cup of tea and drinks it while resting. As he drank the tea, Scorpius saw a song bird sitting on a branch in a nearby tree. Recalling the little tune his friend likes, he whistled it to the bird, a message for the bird to go and find the feathery companion of his. After the songbird flew off in response, Scorpius watched his surroundings and as he felt the curative properties flowing in his veins, he saw the others feeling the same way. Even those who could have slept for hours were up and rushing about as if they never burned all that energy earlier.

His cries for help that worked. A man with a makeshift shield-tray with beverages ran over to Halcyon and offered him a drink. Such kindness. He now remembered why he loved mortals; they were so willing to show compassion.

He took the drink with a trembling hand. "Thank you, comrade." He quickly drank the concoction, taking loud gulps since his thanks would make up for the rudeness of his drinking. He could feel the potion working wonders on his insides, making him feel renewed and more comfortable immediately after drinking the last of the potion.

Halcyon felt well enough to start walking again. Miraculously, the aches in his body had all but diminished. He began basking in the warmth of victory, knowing his valor helped win the battle today.

Cang sat beneath a lush green tree as he pondered on the past events of the battle. Reanylizing every move he made making note on what was essential he improved and what skills he had executed perfectly. He noticed the group of being that were his new comerades."We are quite the interesting group aren't we" Cang remarked as he awaited further orders from Ingis.

Ignis watched as those around him recouped from the battle, as more and more of the prisoners joined their cause, and as some otherworldly allies turned to the resistance, with nowhere else to go. A hint of a smile crept across his face, for the first time in months Ignis was beginning to have faith in their cause.

Gather up your things... we move, if you don't want to fight or cannot continue on, find your own way. Ignis said to the group as he picked through the corpses, searching for the knives he expended during the fight.

Over the next several days, the group travelled back towards the encampment of Thull. Ragged tents and wagons greeted them, no permanent structures stood within the confines of the makeshift wooden walls. Everything here was designed for mobility, the ability to pack up and move at a moments notice valued far more than durability. The guards greeted them warmly, casting wary glances at the angels and demons that accompanied them. They travelled to the centre of the camp, taking a day to rest and recoup themselves from their exertions. The group lay and wait for their next assignment, and it came quicker than expected.

"Whuh... what?" was all Ignis could blurt out as he was shaken awake by a guard. A man clad in crimson robes entered the tent, dismissing the guards as he entered.

Ignis, men.. we've gotten word from one of the outlying posts that an advance scout has located them. They sent out runners to catch him, but he lost them in the woods, only two of the four returning to tell the tale of their encounter. It appears that the demons are mustering an offensive on our encampment, they will be hitting the camp I just mentioned in mere days time. You've been there before, it's the old mountain tavern, Jay they used to call it, half a days travel from here. You all have had rest, I'll expect you to depart within the hour. This camp will be relocating as well, as we speak we are packing up to flee westward. Delay the attackers and meet up with us with any survivors you should find."

Ignis grumbled as he crawled out of bed and buckled on his leather armor and cloak. He stood impatiently at the opening of the tent, waiting for the others to prepare.

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Quote from "Sixen" »

"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.

As Scorpius sat and waited in the camp, he heard a cry. Looking up, he saw her in all her majestic glory. "Tyr!!" Holding out his arm, Scorpius waited as she landed on it, wearing a silver amulet in the shape of a scorpion, glowing a fiery dark green. Tyr dropped a scroll into Scorpius' hand. He opened the scroll and it read:

Scorpius, Tyr has your amulet that we enchanted with enough magic so you can summon your chest.
You know the incantation from the many times you tried to use magic but FAILED. Eh em, sorry about that, had to say it.

After Scorpius read the scroll, he looked around to see if he is needed. Taking the amulet from Tyr, Scorpius quickly recalled the dastardly spell that he failed at so many times. Focusing on his chest as he was taught to do, Scorpius started the incantation. Three seconds later a bright light burst from the amulet and the chest materialized in front of him. Ah, there we go, now I can catch us food when we are out.

Halcyon has always been a light sleeper, always being on the move, he found no solace in resting. He laid on his makeshift bed, a collection of scattered hay he found laying around the camp, and looked at the top of the tent and listened to the unknown voice that had entered moments ago.

"You all have had rest, I'll expect you to depart within the hour. This camp will be relocating as well, as we speak we are packing up to flee westward."

"Damnit...", Halcyon said as he rustled himself out of bed and forced himself to walk outside. Today wasn't going to be enjoyable, he could sense it in the air.

After speaking his few words to the cloaked savoir, Etapas had passed out from complete exhaustion. It seemed like only moments later, but he soon awoke in the middle of the night, in an unknown nomadic camp. His torn muscles had only recovered about 25%, so he was able to walk around at a slow pace and talk now. However, it appeared that everyone else had been deep asleep by this point; enjoying any bit of peace they can get in this hell-dominated place.

Etapas had quickly dressed himself, and threw on his black cloak and vanished from the small outpost. He had managed to wander off to a closeby forest. Laying himself down at the base of the nearest tree, he stared up at the sky and began to ponder. First, the ominous voice in his head. What could it be? The very thought of it's voice had still given Etapas the chills. There was something different as well, like... a new found confidence in himself. Was it because of his new power? Which brought him to point number two: what exactly did he do during that fight? Not to mention; how did it manifest in [i]him[/i]? Etapas, the only failure in the history of the Velnias Indas. The one who could not wield [i]any[/i] power of [i]any[/i] aspect of the universe? Etapas, the son of the two most unique clan members ever, and the brother to the greatest prodigy of his clan. The blood flew through his very veins, but nothing ever happened. Was he not worthy of any powers?

[i]I am the reason why you never had any powers. I am also the reason they are manifesting now. Unlike any demon in the entire history of the Velnias Indas - I chose my own fate. I refused to share my abilities with you until you were ready. For my powers are too great for any damned mortal to wield. Your sister, Erdeve, was lucky to gain the power she had. The demon inside her had no effect on her, despite the great power it wielded.[/i]

Etapas shuddered again as the raspy, horrifying voice had spoke. He managed to respond quickly though, "So it was you! You are the demon inside of me? But how can this be? I thougt all demons born within us [i]had[/i] to give your powers to us containers!"

The dark voice chuckled for a moment, then answered the child's inquiry: [i]I have a conciousness and a stronger will in me then any others, I suppose. All the other members in your clan would never have known they contained demons within them if it were not for your stories, lores and warnings. For they were ever-dorment inside all of you mortals. I refused to follow along! For no mortal should never be allowed to freely effect time itself![/i]

At that exact moment, Etapas chocked on air, and struggled to speak. "Power... over time itself? Me? I have been gifted with such a power? But then, even my dear sister's ability doesn't even compare!" Etapas had barely managed to avoid shouting out loud. It was becoming clear now, during the fight earlier - this demon had slowed time down dramatically around him, to allow Etapas to travel beyond imaginable speeds.

"Yes, and it doesn't even stop there. For time can't only be slowed. It can be sped up, or even stopped to a halt. Of course, simply slowing time down has it's consequences, as you know well now. Your body is currently unable to handle how fast you can move, and so as soon as you return your body to reality's standard time frame, your body will feel the burden of everything you had done in such a short moment. Be thankful, for I had enciuraged your growth as a child, and made sure you had the reflexes, speed and quickness to handle this more than anyone else you ever knew. For without the small boost you got beforehand, you would most likely be dead by now. Since you have grown now - I will now more freely lend you [i]some[/i] of my powers, boy.[/i]

"Deal? What exactly is it you want from me? You know our lives are forever entangled. So you know freedom is far out of the question, demon!"

The demon chuckled with amusement. [i]I am well aware of how I am bound to you. But I still have my own will, and am more capable of witholding my powers from you too! Thus, I shall grant you the ability you had during that fight. The ability you had used was a small demonstration of what you could do. I had given you my eyes, child - The Eyes of Kobolox. You can now freely use this ability so long as you make me this promise: To bring death to as many as you are capable of, whether it be a demon, human, angel, or goatmen - for I do not care. And be sure to make their death as graceful and as beautiful as possible - for I do not wish to be associated with anything that is so lowly and dispicable such as a bruteful murder![/i]

Those last few words resounded in Etapas' head as the demonic voice had finally vanished. Snapping back to reality, Etapas noticed the sun breaking through the far-away horizon and realized he should head back to camp. The very deal seemed horribly inhumane... but what could he expect from a demon, and a devious one at that? Was this 'Kobolox' serious about wanting Etapas to kill everyone? Etapas shook the thought off, [i]Surely not! He must simply want me to kill often. That won't be hard though - seeing as how this rebel group seems to be slaying every enemy demon they come across.[/i] Maybe he will accept the deal afterall. An evil, malicious smirk crossed Etapas' face as he slipped past the guard back into the camp.

Walking back to where he had awoken only a few hours before, he noticed the cloaked savoir talking to an officer of sorts. After the soldier had left the cloaked man, Etapas approached him, and asked in a monotone voice, "Yo, whats up boss?"

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One becomes strong when they are fighting to protect someone close to them... - Shiro Haku

Desmond hidden in shadows stared around the camp. People were starting to wake and get ready to leave. Demons were approaching and fast. He could smell there blood on the air. He savored the scent as he hoped it would bring chaos. He felt that these demons would be stronger than the last. Perhaps this time he might have to fight instead of watch. He wanted to see total carnage and destruction but keeping these people alive who welcomed him even if they did not know of his presence he needed them. They made him feel like he belonged. Perhaps this time he must fight. Desmond frowned as he would rather watch. Perhaps he could do both.

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www.myspace.com/mpotatoes for all your Trans Siberian Orchestra listening pleasure
If you want to arrange it
This world you can change it
If we could somehow make this
Christmas thing last

By helping a neighbor
Or even a stranger
And to know who needs help
You need only just ask

Simi was getting thirsty and hungry, she remembered that one of her companions had a tasty drink that made her feel not so hungry so she went looking for him. She noticed a man in a red robe entering the head guys's tent. She bonked her head muttering to herself, I can never remember his name, not good Simi since he helped free me, she bonked her head again. She continued on her way when she finally spotted scorpion guy, she saw his bird land, stopped in her tracks and began drooling. She shook her head, no no no Simi must not eat his friend. She saw the bird take flight again and proceeded toward the tent. Just as she neared it she heard scorpion guy say "Ah, there we go, now I can catch us food when we are out."
Ooo, can Simi help you with hunting? The man jumped when she spoke, not expecting her. Simi is sorry she did not mean to alarm you. Simi would like to help with hunting though, I promise I won't eat everything we catch. Oh...oh can I have some more of that drink you made for everyone the other day? It helped me not be so hungry. Scorpius goes into his tent and brings out a bit of the drink he had left and hands it to her and watches her gulp it down.

Just then Ignis walks by and announces that we were moving on. As he passed by spreading out the word Simi jumped up and shouted out "It's Ignis, Simi remembers now!" Ignis turned and gave her a quizzical look and went about informing the others of our departure.

Oh, thank you for the drink. Forgetting about hunting for the moment, she does a little happy dance and notices the other demon in their group hiding in the shadows and heads over to him. Maybe she could make a friend.

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Smiling is infectious.

Give, expecting nothing thereof. ------------ BoD - Come have some fun!Folks will always come and go, so enjoy them while they're meant to be in your life.

Scorpius notices Simi suddenly take off in another direction, as he tries to correct her that he is a fisherman, not a hunter. Tyr lands back on his shoulder, wet from a bath she just took in the nearby water source. "Tyr, could you show me where you got wet? I need to wash up and catch breakfast." Tyr looks in the direction of the water. Grabbing his chest, Scorpius puts everything not in use into it and begins walking, pulling the chest behind him.

*Fifteen minutes later.*A river, I could catch a sizable trout or two and maybe a catfish. Setting up in a promising spot, Scorpius lays back and relaxes, taking in the sun's rays. "I can't wait till this damned war is over, Tyr, I could do this every day."

Bane thought to himself about the situation he was in. He was no fighting along side humans, those who he had grown up despising for the way they treated him as a child. His years of solitude only fueled his hatred for these creatures. But, now, he owed his life to humans.

Bane stood up after hearing their newest orders. He overlooked his human situation as he became eager to fight off more of these demons from Hell that had slaughtered his entire town and his loved ones.

"I am ready sir" Bane said to Ignis. He pulled his newly acquired axe from the floor and holstered it on his back. He took a step out of their tent and raised his snout in the air. The mixture of smells and sounds alerted Bane to the camps removal. People were packing up, leaving their make-shift homes and starting over again. Bane sniffed the air again, this time he smelled the distinct putrid aroma of demons.

"Perhaps these demons are closer than we thought" Bane exclaimed to the others.